AltspaceVR

AltspaceVR is a social VR platform that was founded in 2013 and launched its initial product in May 2015. In 2017 it was acquired by Microsoft[1] and is now part of the Mixed Reality division (alongside notable products like HoloLens and HoloLens 2) within the Cloud and AI group. Some elements of the platform appear in Microsoft Mesh.[2]

AltspaceVR
Developer(s)Microsoft
Initial releaseMay 2015 (2015-05)
Operating systemWindows 10, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift
TypeVirtual reality community
Websitealtvr.com

The platform largely consists of user-generated spaces called "worlds", which can be visited by other users. Live virtual events are frequently held and advertised. In addition to these events, AltspaceVR is a social platform where individuals can gather, talk, collaborate, and be co-present in small to large groups. Currently, AltspaceVR is the only social VR platform that allows for large groups of individuals to be co-present in a single space. The platform has also introduced a technology called FrontRow which allows for audience-scaling into the thousands.

The platform is regularly home to a wide variety of events from VR church[3] and LGBTQI+ meetups to large business conferences and magic shows.[4]

Worlds

AltspaceVR is organised in discrete spaces called "worlds", which can be found and accessed via a floating menu or via in-world "teleporters". Some large worlds, such as the "Campfire", are built and maintained by official developers as places for users to meet and interact.

Users are encouraged to build their own "worlds" by arranging objects taken from any of several "kits" in a three-dimensional space.[5] World-building can be done this way within the app, and additional features can be activated via the Altspace website. Advanced users can create their own kits and worlds using third-party software.[6]

Altspace's internal menus include a list of "featured" user-defined worlds and a real-time list of the most "popular" worlds, arranged by the number of users currently visiting each world. Other menus list current and planned "events", which take place inside official or user-generated worlds.

Events

Notable events taking place within AltspaceVR include:

  • live shows with comedian and musician, Reggie Watts[7]
  • virtual music video with rapper Pitbull, was filmed in a VR world produced by Big Rock Creative.[8]
  • a virtual fashion show for 2020 Paris Fashion week[9]
  • a red carpet premiere of Baba Yaga with celebrities Jennifer Hudson and Daisy Ridley[10] was held in a VR world produced by Big Rock Creative.
  • a live conversation with celebrity meteorologist, Al Roker
  • several keynote conversations with Microsoft's Head of Mixed Reality, Alex Kipman
  • In 2020 AltspaceVR was home to BRCvr, a recognized universe of the Burning Man multiverse.[11]

Supported hardware

AltspaceVR is available on many VR headsets including:

The platform is also available as a 2D application for Apple and Windows PCs. Those without VR headsets can use this to join events and talk with other users, but have less interaction with objects.

Discontinued hardware

An Android app that provided 2D access to AltspaceVR was discontinued in 2019.[12]

Altspace stopped supporting the Google Daydream in 2019.[12] Support for Oculus' Gear[13] and Go[14] headsets was discontinued the following year.

Availability

AltspaceVR is currently available for download in the Windows Store, Steam Store, and Oculus Store.

The platform is free to download and use. It has an ESRB rating of "Teen (13+)" Per AltspaceVR Community Standards.[15]

References
  1. Eadicicco, Lisa (3 October 2017). "Microsoft Just Bought a Virtual Reality Company to Challenge Facebook". Time.
  2. "Microsoft Mesh feels like the virtual future of Microsoft Teams meetings". The Verge.
  3. "Religion in the Digital Age". BBC. April 2020.
  4. Harry, Baker (August 25, 2020). "'Magicians In VR' Event In AltspaceVR Will Feature Talks And Live Magic". UploadVR.
  5. vryunji. "Creating AltspaceVR content - AltspaceVR". docs.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2021-09-21.
  6. vryunji. "Introducing the World Building Toolkit - AltspaceVR". docs.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2021-09-21.
  7. "AltspaceVR Website".
  8. "YOUNGA After Party with Pitbull". December 5, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
  9. Roddy, Clarke (June 30, 2020). "First Ever Virtual Reality Summit To Take Place During Paris Fashion Week In October 2020". Forbes.
  10. Eric, Kohn (January 13, 2021). "Jennifer Hudson and Daisy Ridley Take Avatars and Publicists Into VR for a Red Carpet Premiere". IndieWire.
  11. Peter, Rubin (September 9, 2020). "Covid Snuffed Out Burning Man—but the Festival Goes On in VR". WIRED.
  12. "r/AltspaceVR - Retiring Daydream and Google Play support". reddit. Retrieved 2021-09-21.
  13. AltspaceVR (2020-06-08). "AltspaceVR Plans to Sunset Support for GearVR - AltspaceVR - AltspaceVR Plans to Sunset Support for GearVR". AltspaceVR. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  14. AltspaceVR (2020-11-02). "Saying Farewell to the Oculus Go - AltspaceVR - Saying Farewell to the Oculus Go". AltspaceVR. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  15. "AltspaceVR Community Standards".
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